IncomeBy County

Nicholas County, West Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-10% vs. West Virginia average
$49,280
Median Household Income
$29,257
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,280
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,257
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#40 / 55
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Nicholas County Compares

Nicholas County$49,280
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,280
Median Household Income
$29,257
Per Capita Income
$114,200
Median Home Value
43.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Nicholas County

Income Verdict

Nicholas County has a median household income of $49,280 and per capita income of $29,257 — a gap of $20,023, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $669/month and a median household income of $49,280, rent consumes approximately 16.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $49,280, residents of Nicholas County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,257 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Nicholas County earns approximately 10% below the West Virginia state median household income of $54,746.

Data Story

About Household Income in Nicholas County, West Virginia

Nicholas County below national income

Nicholas County's median household income of $49,280 falls 34.1% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Appalachian communities.

Below average for West Virginia

Nicholas County's median household income ranks below the state average of $54,746 by 10.0%, placing it in the lower-income half of West Virginia counties. The county faces similar economic headwinds as many peers in the region.

Lower income than regional peers

At $49,280, Nicholas County lags most neighboring counties, with only Pocahontas County ($41,200) earning significantly less. Pendleton County ($61,738) and Preston County ($61,373) earn 25% more, highlighting regional income disparities.

Housing affordability under pressure

Nicholas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is manageable, but a median home value of $114,200 still represents 2.3 years of household income. Lower wages make homeownership and maintenance costs challenging for many families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Nicholas County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Nicholas County, West Virginia is $49,280, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Nicholas County?
The per capita income in Nicholas County is $29,257, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $49,280.
How does Nicholas County compare to the West Virginia average?
Nicholas County's median household income of $49,280 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $29,257, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Nicholas County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Nicholas County, West Virginia is $29,257, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Nicholas County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Nicholas County's median household income of $49,280 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $29,257 is also lower than the state average of $30,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Nicholas County rank for income in West Virginia?
Nicholas County ranks #40 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,280 and per capita income of $29,257, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Nicholas County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Nicholas County median

County median: $49,280 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-10%

vs. National Median

-34%

vs. Nicholas County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 34% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($4,107) vs. median rent ($669/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$49,252
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Halifax County
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$49,244
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$49,237
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$49,213
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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